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Quote by Tom Vilsack

“Very few people know that my department is responsible for 1.2 million home loans since I have been secretary. That's 1.2 million families that are living in homes in rural America that would never have homeownership, but for the United States Department of Agriculture's programs. We have to do more of educating people about the partnership that does exist between rural America and their government.”

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Tom Vilsack

Tom Vilsack is a seasoned politician who served as the United States Secretary of Agriculture. Born on December 13, 1950, he has dedicated himself to promoting agricultural modernization and sustainability. During his tenure, he implemented several agricultural reform measures aimed at improving the living standards of farmers and enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural industry. more

“I think we have not done a good job of explaining to people in rural America what is actually happening, number one. And, number two, we're not expressing appreciation and acknowledging the contribution that rural America makes. Where does your food come from? Where does the water come from? Where does the energy feedstock come from? It all comes from rural areas. Where does your military come from? Nearly 35 to 40 percent of the military is from 15 percent of America's population living in rural America. It makes a tremendous contribution to this country. It just isn't recognized.”

People Thinking Country Done Energy Water Military Appreciation Good Job

Author:Tom Vilsack

“I think, first and foremost, showing up, making sure that Democrats focus not just on elections, not just on presidential elections, but we begin the process of rebuilding the infrastructure of the party at the grassroots. We begin going out to all those rural counties and begin having a conversation with rural voters and making sure that we hear their concerns, hear their complaints, and also educate them about what we are doing, making sure that we focus on state legislative races, not just congressional, Senate, governor, and presidential races.”

Thinking Party Focus Concern Election Democrat Presidential Educate County Presidential Election

Author:Tom Vilsack

“The rural economy is significantly better. Our natural resources, particularly our working lands, are more resilient. And more money is being invested in soil conservation and water preservation. Our forests will be in better shape if Congress does what it needs to do to fix the fire-suppression budget.”

Water Natural Economy Conservation Natural Resources Resilient

Author:Tom Vilsack

“I think people have to remember where we were in 2009. We were losing 800,000 jobs a month. We had an unemployment rate in double digits. We had poverty rates soaring. We had kids who were food insecure. Today in 2016, we have a lot less unemployment, a lot less poverty, and a lot fewer kids who are food insecure.”

People Thinking Kids Today Remember Poverty Losing Rate Insecure Soar

Author:Tom Vilsack